Voting-machine.



PATENTED 00115, 1907,

W. B. NORTON. VOTING MACHINE. APPLICATION nun r33. 27. 1897.

12 SHEETS-#832115? 1.

yak/m1 3w .No. 868,579. v PATENTED OCT. '15, 1907,

- w, 13. NORTON.

VOTING MACHINE.

A'PP'LIUATION nun 33.27. 1897.

12 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

No. 868 ,579. I PATENTED 00115, 1907.

W. B". NORTON; VOTING'MAGHINE.

. APPLIQATIOII FILED FEB. 27. 1897.

12 SHEETS-433E! 4- IWVENTOR 400mm QM By 9M4 We:

,Jliiofneys.

. PATENTED OCT. 15', 1907.-

W. B. NORTONQ VOTING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED FEB.2'1.1897.

12 sums-sum 5.

' WI NESSES o. 868,579 c PATENTED OOT.15, 1907.

W. B. NORTON.

VOTING MACHINE.

APPLIO T10 r1 1 A N LED EBB B97 12 annua -sum s.

HT SSES' "J/WEMQN PATENTED OCT. 15, 1907..

W. B. NORTON. VOTING MACHINE. APPLICATION FI LED FEB. 27,1897.

12 SHEETS-SHEET 'l.

1.7V VENTO Q? YIIIIIIII WITNESS PATENTED 001". 15, 1907.

W. B. NORTON. VOTING MACHINE. APPLICATION IVILED IEB.27. 1897.

12 SHEETSSHEET a.

INVEWTOR v JPATENTED QcT.15,1907., W. B. NORTON.

VOTING. MAGHINE.-

ARPLIOAINN FILED FEB. 27,1897.

12 SHEETS-SHEET 9.

No. 868,579 PATENTED OGT.15, 1907.

' w. B. NORTON.

VOTING MAUI-ENE.

PPLIO TION PI B r .2 .1. 97. A A L D BB B 12 SHEETS-SHEET 10.

(No'. 868,579. PATENTED 0cT..15,'190'/.

W. B NORTON.

VOTING MACHINE.

.APPLI A ION q T FILED FEB 27'1897 12 sums-sum 11.

PATENTED OUT; 15, 1907.

, w. B. NORTON.

VOTING MACHINE.

APPLIOATION FILED EEB. 27,1897.

12 SHEETS-SHEET 12.

[TNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM B; NORTON, O'F DETROIT, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR, by users ASSIGNMENTS, TO U. S. STANDARD VOTING MACHINE 00., OF ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, A GORPORA.TI(')N on NEW YORK.

To fill whom 'it may concern:

Be it known that 1, WILLIAM B. NORTON, a citizen of the United States; residing .at Detroit, county of- Wayne, Shit e of Michigan,- have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Voting-Machines; and I declare thev following to be afull, clear, and exact description of the same-such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use th esame,

reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification]. 4

This invention relates to voting niachines and-bas fol- .its object improvements inthat class of voting.ma-'

chines in which the voter, instead of casting a ballot, registers his vote mech anica-lly.

n the machine which embodies the invention there are a number of keys. arranged in ranks'and files, there being one rank 'of keys for each' oifice on the ticket, and.

one file for each party. Ofcourseasth'e machine is made for repeated use,-there niay be many keys that would not be broughtinto use'at a particularelection, inasmuch as a machine that would be large enough to suflice fol-say 2 50fcandidates', 50 candidates in each oifive different parties, could be employed'at an election. where thereare only two partiesand eight or ten or less' candidatesin each'partyzthe extra. keys in such case being so arranged thatlthcvoters would ,not use them and would use only those whichwer'e pointed out by some designating characteristic-as the ones to be used;

In the drawings: Figure 1,- isan external viewof the (11 as seen'irom the side on'whi ch the inspector stands.

Fig. 2, iszi front view of the. case, the open-door shows.

. nuism by which, after the keys have been-set, the ballot 1 strips are raised and punctured: the paper rolls and ad juncts thereto are not shown in 'thisdrawin g; Fig.- .7,'- isan elevation of the paper spools and cutting mechan-- ism. Fig. 8, is a detail of a receiving spool and spindle. Fig. 9, shows in perspective the cutting mechanism.

Fig. 10, is a perspective detail of the carrier of the receiving' spool 7. Fig. 11, is a detail of the sliding cover over the indexdrum. Fig. 12, is'a detail of the loot of the indextipple (a peculiar pawl .used connection with theratchet wheel on the index drurn Fig. 13, shows the upper end of the key plunger and the lever by which afkey can be released, if improperly'set.

Fig. 14, shows'thename holder, or ticket hold'er on the top .ofthe machine. the ticket holder. Fig. 16, shows the shaft of the sup- -Speeiflca.tion of Letters Patent.

7 Application filed February 27, 1897. Seria1No. 625,335.

which ones of them. have beenset.

as a lever and the closing -oi it actuates the registering Fig. 15, shows an endjelev ation oi- YOTING-MACHINE Patented Oct. 15, 1907.

ply roll. Figs. '16, 16 1 6 show details of the parts connected withthe sh aft of Fig-16. Fig. 17 shows the bell hammers. Fig. 18, shows the bell ringing cam.

Fig. 19 is a plan view of th e froiitplate or ballot support,

showing the arrangement of the ballot keys or indicators. Fig. '20', a sectional'view on the line pp of Fig. 19. Fig. 21 a sectionalsview on the line q-q of Fig. 19. Figs. 2 2 and 23, sectional .views showing the operation oith'e registering mechanism;

Thisnlachine is intended to be used in such away that the-voterisentirely screened from view, so'long as the cover'K,'of the case isopen and the voter has access to the keys or indicators: as soon as he has arranged the keys properly to produce such a registration as he-desires, the ,voter-closes-the lid down in'front, or. if he leaves the booth without closing down the lid, an inspector-closes it downfro'm the rear. and without get ting into a position where he can see the keys, or learn The lid itself acts mechanism, by lifting the entire frame-work that supports-the -registering mechanism, lifting the ribbons against the points of such keys as have been set, and puncturing the ribbons} When the lid is next opened,

' the frame and spools are lowered and the keys released,

and those-of the registering ribbons that have been just punctured are advanced one step: those of the registering ribbons that'ha-venot been punctured by the last action of the lid are not advanced. but remain .inposition: thus in each strip-of register ribbon the punctures are-consecutive, and the ribbon indicates at a glance, how many votes have been cast for the candidate whose votes are registered on that particular ribbon. The

ribbon is prepared by cutting long strips ofpaper' of the proper width andperforating along each. margin a line of guide holes (shown in Fig. 9) and opposite these holes are (preferably) placed consecutive numbers printed on the paper by some sort of a numbering machine, as shown in Fig. 9 the numbering does not in any way affect the working of the-machine but it enables the'.i-n-

spectors to tell at a glance the number of times the key has been actuated and the ribbon punctured.

Inside the case and resting on the bottom thereof is a "base block 0, from which rise four posts (i four hinge knuckles 2", three pillar-s2 which support the rock shafts 6 and 6". and two pillars l7, which support'the bell shalt. Above the base block U, is a rectangular frame B. that engages the posts (i by a sliding connec B B; to each of the upper lugs B B on each nd of the frame, is pinned a toggle link 6 and to each or the knucklesz, is pinned a toggle link 6', thus providing .tion; the posts 6', passing through the holes int e'lugs 1 'rock shaft 6", by a link'fi; the opposite branch ol the bell crank 6, has pivoted to it a link (i which (:onnects with the arm 10" Figs. 4 and 2.1. This arm if),

I turns around the pintle of the hinge-cover. and through 'will be called ranksor series. The keys in each rank are independent of the keys in any other rank, but the several keysof each rank are so arranged that any one of them can be set, but only a single one of them can be set at a time to a position to register a vote. The position of the reciprocating frame B, (as shown in Figs. 4

andh) is that which the frame has when the cover is open; when the cover is closed the link 6? pushes downward, rotates the shaft.6 ,-and straightensthe toggle links 6 (3 and lifts the frame B; 4 v I The posts 6", which hold and guide the frame B, supports three plates A, A, A the upper plate A, is provided with a stiffening flange, which serves both. to stiffen it and to prevent any unauthorized tampering with the machinery belo'w it. Its top surface is perforated for the passage of the key stems,,- and it is also pro vided with shitahle receptacles and guards for the cards or slips of paper on which the names of the candidates are printed: the second plate A, supports the slide 4*, which prevents more than a'single ke in a rank of keys from being set, The lower plate A is a guide plate for the lower ends of the keys. Where the key stem 4 pierces the upper plate A, it passes through a bushing 4 that is provided onthc upper side of the plate'with a collar 4, and around the bushing, under the plate A, is a washo'r i"; the washer 4, and the collar 4, are held to gether by screws inserted through them and the plate.A.

Below the washer, and surrounding the key stem, is

first, a soft washer, preferably of leather; and, next, a spiral sprii'ig employed as a bufier spring, and from the plateA to thestem extend two lifting springs 4', wliose tension serves, to raise the key stem. 5 The key stem at its lower endtermina'tes with a sharp point 4", adapted to puncture, and employed to puncture the paper of the ribbons: above-the point is a notch 4 inwhich en'- gages a catch or dog 5, when the'key is pushed down .ward far enough to produce a registration: above the notch on the opposite side of the key stem is a pin 7",,

'1 ciprocates in the hole through the plate A, is a longleollar 4, conical at its lower end, and above'the-pla'te A,

is' a sl iding plate or strip 4 The strip 4. is adapted to have 'a slight movement acrossthe inachine, and'it'is pierced with holes that are slightly larger than the holes in the plate l -so "that the cone on flh e collar 4" com- 'pletclyj'rlls' the hole in the strip ;and the hole throngh the plate A butthe several holes in the strip are not thesame distance from center to cameras are the corre-.

spending holes in the pl'ateAh] Thus the, holes'b, c;

are properly disposed to allow the key stem-,4, to pass The frame down through themits full throw, the holes (3 will be so disposed that the opening is narrowed, and the cone on the key proper to either of these holes could not be foreed down far enough to enable the dog to engage with the notch and hold it down, without shifting the sliding plate 4, and if one key has been forced down and been caught by the dog, no other one oi that rank of keys can'be forced down until-the first key has been re leased. The dog 5" is supported upon a pin that engages with-knuckle lugs. on thennder side of the plate A, there is of course one dog for each key, and each has a branch thatextends over a'bar 5", (there is onesnch "bar with each rank of keys) this bar swings from hangers 5, one of which is extended above the plate A, where it is operated upon byalever 13, which can be reached by the voter to enable him to release the key if he has agcidentslly set the wrong key or if for any reason he desires to change a vote that he has set, hut has not registered. The bar, 5", is also lifted by other means which Wlll he described hereafter. The lifting of'the .bar andthedisengaging oi the key stern which is .brought about by the lever 13*, is only for the use of individual keys, to re;

lease them, let the purpose hereinbefore stated; the otherreleasing mechanism to be hereinafter explained is for the release of all the set keys at a single movement. Under each key is the registering-device, (see Figs. 7, 8,9,10,16.) j

. A cover plate A, made fast tothe top of the reciproeating frame B, is pierced w'i'th' variousslots andholes to allow the/proper location of the drum '8 the hanger l), the tipple' rod 7,which comprise those pieeesof the registering mechanism that lie highest or extend. highest upward. v

The -registering'device consists of a paper storing spool 16, a feeding drum 8",.areci'ving spool or roll 7, and their several .adjunets: the arbors on which these several spools and rolls are mounted are all supported by the side walls of the-frame B. The spools rotate on the arbors, and those spools that are on the detachable bearing plate B and this arbor 11 will maintain .its position and hold the several spools-and sleeves thatarestrnng along it, even afterthe detach; ableplate has been removed: the object of this con-' struction being to facilitate the assembling and disassembling of the parts at times wheh it is necessary to loadand unload; thelrihhon spools before the lit- .chine is, to he used, and after it has been used at an election.

The hearing d is long and. adapted to hold the: arborin place with considerable precision.- v The ar-- bor d, is hollow, or atleast that end of it which enters thehraring b is hollow, andat this end it is provided i with a bayonet catch slot 11?. Upon it are strong inalternation the spools 1ft"; and the spacing sleeves 15',

the, latter are split tubes and are. strung on the arbor with the-cleft embracing a pin or feath erlfi'i the last sleeve. toward the end of the arbor is providedwith-a collar 16*, and with an inward projecting lug hi adapted .toengage the cleft anti notch of the bayonet .cat chslot d A spring 16 .enga'ges around the sleeve. I .16, excrtsa prcssurqbetwecn the collar and the spool so I ing spools belonging to a rank of liPYS are not strung 3 16 and aids in assembling or disassembling the parts of the fork are stopped against the plate 7', especially I u I w ribbon 1E stored before the ballots are reglsterctlupon it.

A somewhat similar way of mounting is employed with the. registering drums 7', these drums are provided '3 vidcd with-a ratchet wheel "7".' engaged by a driving pawl T", and aholding pawl S (a spring pawl) fastened to some fixed part of the frame B, as for example to the shear plate 9". lhe driving,

pawl (sometime called the tipple) is a pivoted spring pawl. pivoted to an auxiliary frame [5. that is arranged to. slide sidewise. into and "out of the main reciprocating frame B, and is held to the base frame i 7, indicates a receiving spool.--the several rcct'ivv on a single arbor, but each ison an independent arbor,

jonrnaled in a hanger 2 :'the hanger 2", is hinged to" between the lug 2 on the hanger yoke and the lug 2 on the-plate. The lower ends of the hanger arms.

- are provided with halfround notches which constitute licarings for the ends of the spindle 8, and the spool 7 1s held to this spindle but allowed tolrotate freely upon it. On the periphery of the s ool are two cavit'ies 8 in each of which a button 8, To these buttons the 'end'of'the strip of record paper is attached,

the outer surface of th ehead of eachbutton substant-ially'in the surface of-tl1e cylinder that hounds the spool 7 The paper (a section or which is seen on Fig. 9) is prepared with holes along both edges, and these holes engage over the teeth 7 oi the drum 7", and as the drum is rcvolvcd'the paper is pulled from the storage spool.

After one layer of, paper has been wound on the spool 7, the teeth of the drum 8' again engage the holes in the paper, and drive the receiving spool. as the quantityof paper on the recciviitg spool increases the hearing shaft of that-spool is crowded away from tht; drum, butthe periphery oi the paper continues in position to allow the teeth of the drum and the holes of the outer layer of paper on the receiving spool to engage. The.

drum 8" rotated by the-following describt-d mechanism: Tho frame which supports .the arbors oi the sevoral rolls. supports also the bar 1',- irom which rise a pair otknuckle lugs, and between these lugs is pinned .with the ratchet. wheel during the vertical reciprocating movement of tho registering mechanism as will be described. The bottom end ofthc pawl (shown deinched in Fig. 12) is forked or widened and the prongs The two arms of the hanger are.

when the pawl rocks backward and swings its top end out of engagement with the ratchet wheel 7. The stop on the front side is not so essential. The tipple foot 7 weighted on one side and on the other extends iorward and engages under the lower end ofthe-tippl'e ,rod

rod 7, is slabbed off and is held from escaping upward or downward beyond its normal and proper range. of movement. by an elastic stra-p that rests against the-rod at its slabbed off portion. The rod extends upward that is arranged to engage uniier the pin 7f. The ac- .r, and over a spring 7 The lower end of the tippIe and terminates at its ripper end with a horiiontal loop tion of this part of the mechanism is as follo'ws: The

key is pushed down until the pin-7%,- contactsthe' horizontal part of the tipplerod 7, the further depression of the key pushes the tipple rod down and tilts the upper end of the pawl 7 into engagement with the ratchet and holds the pawl there under tensionot the tspri rrg"7 as shown in Figs, 20 and'21. Any number of keyirof' different ranks may be depressed and set preparatory to .the ncxt'action'which is effec'tuated by closing the lid as has been previouslyexplained.- The lid in closing acts as a lever to lift the frame 13., and this carries up with it theanxilia-ry frame A and the spools and the shearing frame and shear bar, leaving the plate 7',

and the parts supported by it and also the tipple and the guide 8, which holds'and guides the lower-end of tho tipple rod. The lifting is continued until the point of the key stem puncturesthe paper, ant lithe,-

pawl 7 snaps under the tooth upon whose facetit' has been pressing as shown in 22. The point-0i the key, stem after ptincturing the paper, enters a. cavity in.-

the drum 8? (see Fig. 8). When the lid'is next-opened the frame Bend the paper reeling'mechanism dropand the ratchet engaging the point of the pawl a-s from the center, as shown at h, Fig. 9. Over each rihbon is a sliding guard plate 11, (Fig. 11) provided with a peep opeiiing 11 over the end of the ribbon to show candidatcs name at'starting'poin-t, and another peep opening 119, over the number that isfopposite the hole it, through which the stern of thekcy passes.

When the lid is closed-down the arm (i from the shaft 6 rocks under the latched extremity ofthe arm. 6 on the return movement, with. the opening of the-lid the'arm 6 and the rod 6', are rocked and all-of the lifting harsh which engage with a hooked extension over the rod 6 (Fig. 13) a.re lifted. and the keys are all relcased after the'ribhons have' been punctured and the registering oi the indicating votes has been aceoniplishedt n i At the cndof the balloting-the ribbons all sevet ed by a single action and areall severed a definite-distance from the last puncture made the. key point. With ca ch rank oikeys is 'a shear plate 9 under theshear plate is ashcarb r 3, which is pivoted to-tho'rockitrnt 3! on the shaftfi. (Bee i 6). The hand lever 3,. extends through the',-outer casing tas shown in Fig, 1 ond plate B L-are actdated to sever the strips of paper 16, and

off from the mainframe at any time that it may be dosired to do so, and'this especially facilitates the rapidityin arriving at a knowledge of the votes that have 6,0

'moved and the result of the balloting determined im printed number indicating used the machine, there is on the shaft 6, an arm I,

describe details of construction: provision is made to enable the counter to be read from the outside of the 1;" A. further check is provided through the instal nicntality of analarm. bell that issoundedgwheri the, case is'opened-and againwhen the case is closed. The means by which the bellis actuated isshown iniFigs. 6,: r ,1 i g 1 so -nishing bearings for a bar 17, o'niwhi'ch is a collar Ill and two hammer supporting rings, each of which is pro videdwith arnotch on one side-and at' another part with a projecting lug. 'On the bar hetween the collarrings is a collar with a stop lug projecting on either side, one oi the lugs" projecting into anotch in the ring thatlies at, one side, and the otherlug projecting into a notch in the other ring; Opposite to the-ringsand on the; shaft telly part'of this arm are th'ree pins provided with heads with sca'rved off outer ends, The pins are held with a or the sector shaped arm, but are allowed to yield back- 4 5 'Two oi-tlie pins have the scarves aa'ranged so that ther pins engage with and actuate the ring 17, when the sectar arm rocks forward and'dowriward at the closing of t helidl I Onthe return stroke these twopins engage the '50.

" [slip under the lugs without actuating the'iing. At" the and; rings the bell once.

is provided with a heap 3 upon which there are three or more eye s, each one of which registers with a lock on the case. It is intended that this handle lever shall remainlocked at all times during the use of the voting machine, and that the strips can only besevered ate time when the'holders of the several keys of the several locks are present and participating in the work of unlocking the structure' i 'When the handle 3", is actuated the shear blades 9, which are pinned to both the bar 3, and to the shear the spools with the record of the voting can then be remediately. .The last puncture will be opposite a e total nurnber of votes cast for the candidate. I V

Asa-check to indicate. the.nurnber oi voters'who-have thatactuates an engine counter 1 secured to the outside case on the inside thereof. The engine counter is of common construction and it is not thought'necessary to (laser 17,447, indicate'pists rising from the base 0', and fur- 6, is a; sector shaped a'rm, andthrough lioles in the on their inner ends'to prevent their escape outward their outer ends projectingbeyond the face' o f the folly wardagainsta spring that normally holds them out.

lugs with the chamfered sides of the pins, and,- yielding,

same time,the third pin, which has its chamiered face' arranged on the opposite side, actuates the other ring The entire key board and the partition plates underneath it, including the'plate's A, A, A canbe lifted been cast, either at an intermediate Count or at the end oLthe balloting, so that the result of the balloting can be announced warms very low minutes after the polls have been closed and long before the official reports have been made up: v

The ofiicial reports are made! up when the sliding a vote for a candidate and they are, therefore, properly advantageous, but 15a necessityfin voting machines ,the retainersbefore the registering operation is.ac

ing accomplished by the return of this barrier or oper- 5 I actuated towird and sway !rom the -keys by the lid in sec ors frames which carry the record ribbons are withdrawn, the record ribbons themselves removed and filed away for reference if desired. 4,

The keys, it will be noted, serve merely to indicate indicators", the vote indicated by the operator of a .key not being cast or registered until thevoter h as' left 'the proximity of the ballot support or keys, or the latter have been concealed or otherwise rendered ina"c-' cessible to him so that there is no opportunity forthe; voter to manipulatethe he or indicator in any manner and thereby-fraudulently operate the registering Inech anism. This separation of the indicatingoperation from the operation of registering the votes is not only,

and particularly so when taken in connection with the" capability possessed by my invention of permitting the voter to retract a 'vote once indicated by'rele'asing complished,and he is, therefore, enabled to manipufore he leaves the proximity of the ballot supportaii'd completes the casting of the votes.

The lid or coverior the ballot-board or support co n stitutes a barrierior preventing accessto the latter, and its form may be alteredorvaried, as desired, the complete cycle ofmover'nent of the machine partshe} ating' p'artto a position where the'nent we e permitted to indicate his choiceof candidates,--thatsi sto say, the voter is permitted to indicate his choi'cefofcandi ."dates when the lidis raised only, and between that -time and the time they th lid is raised again'and; the machine is'ready for the nextvoter, 'the complete pt 10 eration of the registeringimechanism'is accomplished".

. The registeringmechanirn' as we functiona -joiiebeingltheregistering puncture produced by theap-f preach of the paper and keyfpoing the number 'beine;

indicated by the numbersoi iiguresat the'sideoi they paper strip, and the-m0vement,of;thestrip isfca'use'd wheeler roller. The manually-operable lreyf'or indi-,

cater controls .the position oi'thefpawl, which" to directly actuate thepaper' feed roller the cycle 1 .1 of movement of the machine; and said Key n indicator," it will be noted, controls directly -tlief. interlocking-=5 mechanism (the apertured plates 4 between martyr,

or indicators, and the actuating pswllcannot lie-placed in cooperative relation with thejfeed wheeliintil the- 1 1 limiting mechanism has been fully operated preventing the operation of another indieatordn 'the' -same series or-rank.- V

What i claim is:

1. In-a voting machine the combinationot-acase 'haveach of which is adapted to be moved tronflts normal po' sition and set in an abnormal hosi'tlonga'pluhllty ofrec ording'rlhbons held; ln aftra'nle Whlch'JB-adapted to be;

openlng and c'loslng, substantially"ssdescrlbedr A 2. he voting machine the comoinatioliot'e case having a lid, a key board provided with a plurality of keys each of which is adapted to be 'mo ved trom'its normal position and set in an abnormal posltlonfmeans for releasing an v sin'gIe key from its abnormal position, a pluralltyof recording ribbons held in a (rams which is adapted to be'actuated, 5

.late the keys or 'indicators'in anyway he desires and to examine the ticket indicateiby him-as a wholehey the p wl in engagement withthe, paper. feed ingjl.

dug a lid, a key' board provided with ,ii. plurality of. keys,

I stems project, a sliding stop plate also provided with holes 'through'which the key stems always project, conical colwhich the actuating stem projects, a' catch for each key,

f placement of the-ribbon spools of a voting machine, the

ing the key without its registering or disturbing other --scribed.'

.ot keys arranged in a row, a guide plate having holes through which the key stems project, 'a stop plate having plate being spaced from center to center of said holes difvided with a conical collar, whereby as a key is pushed voting machine, a key employed to indicate a candidate,

, ating drum provided with a ratchet, a pawl adapted to 16", provided with a collar and with a catch 16*, SllbSfillF key. substantially as described.

means for holding, actuating and making record upon a by the lid in opening and closing, and which upon the closing of-the lid are brought into recording contact with the keys, substantially as described.

3. In a voting machine the combination of a plurality of keys, means adapted to set each key independently out of its normal position, a plurality of registering ribbons, one for each key, af-rame supporting the keys and a frame supporting the ribbons, means. adapted to actuate one of said frames with respect to the other and thereby produce a simultaneous registration from each abnormally set key on the ribbon pertaining to it, substantially as described.

4. In a voting machine the combination of a plurality of keys arranged in rows, one way to indicate a party and in rows another way to ind'icate individual candidates for an office, any voneof said keys being adapted to be moved from its normal position and latched in an abnormal posi tion, means whereby'only one key of a row can be latched in said abnormal position at'a time, and means for releaskeys, substantially as described;

.5. In a voting machine the combination of a plurality of keys arranged in rows both'ways, and a frame-work adapted to hold and guide them, means adapted to catch and hold anyone of said keys in an abnormal position, releasing links one 'for each-cross row adapted to release any key so caughtand held, a vibrating rod free from but adapted to engage all the releasing links, means for actu; atin the vibrating rod whereby all keys of the machine may be released simultaneously, substantially as described. G. In a voting machine, the combination of a plurality of keys, a guide plate having holes through which the key lurs on the key stems whereby any key stem which pushes into the hole is adapted to shift the sliding stop plate, and narrow all the passages for keys except the one through and mcans'for' releasing the catch, substantially as de- 7. In a voting machine the combination of a plurality holes through which the key stems project, the sliding stop ferent from the spaces from center to center of the holes in the guide plate, the stems of the keys being each prolongitudinally through the holes, the stop plate is shifted and'theholes' through which other key stems project are. sonarrowed that a second key cannot be actuated and set until the first has been released, substantially as de scribed.

8.; As a means for actuating the register ribbon of a and adapted to he set in a position other than normal, storage and receiving spools and anintermediate ribbon actuactuate the ratchet, a'rod adapted to engage the pawl and the key when the latter is in its abnormal position, and means adapted to cause an actuating movement of the rod on the pawl, substantially as described.

9. Asia means for the quick and easy removal and recombination with an arbor having a bayonet catch notch at its end and with pins 16 adapted to engage the spacing sleeves-the split spacing sleeves 16", and the end sleeve tially mesh-rhea. f

10. In a voting machine the combination with a'f'eeding rlrumimountod in a reciprocating frame. and a key adapted to be setto contact a movable part carried by said recip rocating frame, a pawl adapted to actuate thedrum, a lever adapted to actuate through the medium of an inter. posed spring the said pawl and itself adapted to be actu ated by the motion of the reciprocating frame and the set.

11. Ina, voting machine in combination with the case record ribbon, a cutting meansanda lever extending through the case whereby the cutter can be actuated from without the machine, substantially as described.

12. I In a voting machine in combination with means for holding, actuating and making record upon a record ribbon, a cutting means, a lever for actuating the same provided with a hasp and a plurality of catches adapted to engage with a plurality of locks, substantially as described.

11%. in combination with the casing ribbon carrying and actuating means of a voting machine, a means for severing the ribbons at a definite predetermined distance from the last register mark on the ribbon and a lever extending through the casing for actuating the severing means, substantially as described.

14. In uyoting machine the combination of a case having a lid, :1 vote recording mechanism contained in said case, an alarm bell and means whereby the alarm bell is sounded'with two alarms, distinguishable the one .from the other, means for producing one alarm at the opening and the other at the closing of the lid, substantially as dc scribed.

15. In combination with a frame adapted to support a key board and the keys thereof, a second frame adapted to reciprocate with respect to the first frame, and means for producing such reciprocation, a third frame removable from the. second and upon which are mounted the record ribbons the said last mentioned frame being adapted to facilitate. the placing and removal of'register ribbons, substantiallybs described.

16. Ina voting machine, in combination with an outer casing, a removable key board provided with guard flanges extending inside the casing adapted to prevent improper tampering with the mechanism contained in the case, substantially as described.

, 17.'In a voting machine in combination with a base, a bar provided with a row of tippies or pawls, each of which is adapted to actuate the record ribbon, said bar and the tipple or pawls carried .thereon being removable from the base, substantially as described.

18. Ina voting machine in combination with a base, a reciprocating frame provided with record ribbons, means adapted to actuate the ribbons, a covering frame guarding the reciprocating frame, and provided with keys adapted to produce a record on said ribbonssaid covering frame being arranged so that it may be removed from the reciprocating frame and thereby expose the record without otherwise disconnecting the parts of the machine, substantlaily as described.

19. In a'voting machine, the combination of a plurality of 'registeringdevices secured to a supporting frame, a parallel plate supporting independently movable indicating mechanism 'forming part of the permanent structure, in

combination with means for imparting a relativev movement between the supporting frame and the parallel plate whereby a registry of votes is producedon the registering device, substantially as described.

20. In, a voting machine, a reciprocating frame having registering devices secured thereto in rank and file, a

parallel plate provided with independently adjustable keys forming part of the permanent structure, means for bolding adjusted keys in position to produce a registration, and means for imparting a relative movement between the frame and the parallel plate whereby the adjusted keys produce an impression on 'the registering device, substan tially as described. v

21. In a voting mechanism, the combination of a trame and separately operable recording devices carried thereby, a parallel framepnd corresponding separately operable record making devices carried thereby and forming part of the permanent structure, means for produclnga relative movement between the i'rames' whereby the. record making devices produce a record on the recording device, s'pbstantially as describedw 22. In a voting machine, in combination with a frame and recording devices cnrriedthereby, a parallel frame with record making devices carried thereby, normally held in the position to produce no record when the two frames are broughttogether, means for independently setting the record making devices to a record making position, and

our-ans for produclnn a relalivc movement of the tw frames toward and away from each other. whereby a record is produced. substantially as dcscribcd.

:53. In a voting machine, the combination of a series of voting keys. a series oi corrcspoiuling registering dcvlccs. mechanism for actuating each registering; device. an opcraiivc connection between each voting-key and the corrc-' sponding mechanism for the registering devices. whereby the action of the key shifts said mechanism without operating the registering device by inc-ans thereof. and means for simultaneously actuating cach such mechanism which has been so shifted to opcralc the corresp'ondlng. registering device 24. In a voting machiuc. the combination into and out of coiilmrative relation with their correspond' ing registers. interlocking devices for preventing the operation of more than u predetcrmined-number of indicators. and menus for causing the simultaneous operation or all the registers whose indicators are in operative position.

25'. In a voting" machine, the combination with a series at. register actuators forming a part of the permanent structure and a correspondins.- series of registers Wholly and positively operated by the actuators after the latter have bot-unloved. of a limiting mechanism controlling the ope-ration of the actuators and operable wholly and positiv ly by the latter. and means for causing the'simulraucous operation 01' the actuators upon their registcrs.

2b. In a voting machine. the combination with a series of registers. a corresponding series of register actuators forming a part of the permanentv structure movable into co-' movement of the registers and actuator in one direction,-

and said actuators being independent of the register when the parts are moved in the opposite direction, and means for imparting motion to the parts for positively and automaticaily operating" a plurality of said actuators and registers relatively to operate said registers.

28. In a votingmachine, the combination of a plurality of registers each capable only of a complete registering movement. with alimlting mechanism for preventing the opcratlnn of some only ofsaid registers, and means for first accomplishing a positive complete movement of said limiting m'echanism and afterwards accomplishing a (tour plcle movement of said register.

:19. In a voting machine, the combination of a plurality of registers. a single limiting mechanism common thereto. means For causing: the operation of said limiting mechanism and means for causing the positive and complete operation 'of at least one of said registers subsequently to the full operation of the limitingmechanism.

Fill. In a votina 1nachine,'the combination of two or more actuators with a'limitin mechanism having a part in engagement with each of said actuators and operated by the voter's movement of cithr of said actuators. registers cooperating with said actuators. and means for simultaneously permitting the return of the actuators with respect to said'limlting device and accomplishing complete movements of the said registers.

31. in a voting machine. the combination with a pinrality' of registers. a plurality of manually operated actuators fol-mine; parts of the permanent structure by the movement of whiclrtho machine is set: for operation. and

iuicrlm-klng. dcvlccs between the actuators. of positlvelu zzclual'cd ucans ludcpondent of 'lhe manual operation of lluactuators. lo'r :ulvuuclus the registers one full number al'lrr'lhc sumo aro s l.

:12. In a voiiusmuchiuc, the combination with two or with a series of registers, of a series of ballot indicators forming part of the permanent structure. one for each register. movable more independent registers secured in fixed relation with veach other. two or more register actuatorst'orminr. part of the permanent structure and two or more keys for sepib rarely moving said actuators into cooperative relation with their registers. of moans operating upon all the registers and actuators for moving-them relatively to cause regls' tration or those registers whose indicators are in voted position.

.33. In a voting machine, the combination with a plnru1- ity of independent registers, a, corresponding plurality of actuators forming part of the permanent structur and a limiting device. all means for preventing the operation of a register until the limiting device has received its full movement. and means ior subsequently operating the registers.

Iii-i. In a voting-machine. the combination with a plurality of registers, one for each candidate. and a key foreach candidate. each key being operable in both directions without operating the register. and a separate means dependent upon the operation of each key for operating its register.

35'. In a voting machine, the combination with a -plural-' ity of reglsters,'of a corresponding plurality of keys and interlocking devices between the keys, independent register operating means one for each register controlled but not operated by said keys to more the registers, and means for actuating said operating means to move the register and afterwards to. positively return th'e operating means.

36. In a voting machine,thecombination with a plurality of registers, of a corresponding plurality of keys and interlocking devices between the keys, independent operating means controlled but not operated by said keys to move the registers, actuators for the registers, means for operating said actuators and registers relatively to move" the registers and afterwards to positively return the parts to normal position, said means for operating the actuators and registers relatively being stationary duringthe time that the key is operative by a voter. 5

37. In a voting machine, the combination of a register mechanism. an actuator which the voter may set or place for operation on the-register, but may not operate to move the register. saidactuator and register having two relative movements independent of the voters movement thereof.

one to operate the register and the other to positively return the parts to normal position.-

38. In a voting machine, the combination with a register and register opcrating means forming a part 'of the per manen't structure adapted to. be set by a voter .foroperation, a cover or'barrier for preventing access to the voting devices, and means to accomplish the complete movement of the said register through the action'ot said'barrier in a complete cycle; of operation of tlie'machlne. V

39. A voting-machine, having aregister for. each candidate and a -key for each candidate, said keys being operable in both directions without operating their registers.

and independently movable means dependent upon the op eration of each key for operating its register and releasing said key but not directly moving it. i

40. A votinp:-machine having a register .for each candidate and a key for each candidate. said keys being adapted for reciprocation and an actuator forming part of the permanent structure movable with each key and adapted to be positioned for operation upon the associated register by the movement of said key, and means positively operated through the medium of the actuators that are set, to ope!- ate the registers thereof.

41.11111 voting machine,'the combination with a plurality of registers secured to a supporting frame in fixed relation to each other, of a support, a plurality of independ ently movable ballot indicators thereon, one for each register. corresponding in relative position with the register. each indicator being movable into a position to coiiperale with its register when the frame and support are moved relatively. means for moving the'frame and support relallvely. and interlocking devices between the indicators for permitting the operation of a predetermined number to the operative position.

4:2. 1p a voting machine, the-combination with a plurality of registers secured to a supporting frame in fixed rement of the frame and support so as to causethe operation ity of registers secured to a supportingframe in fixed re- I: cycle of operation.

. for each register, and'each capable 'of novement into and I operating the same. interlocking dev'iqes between the iii-- oi I'novable'voting keys or indicators; and neansiior lento lotion to each other, and eachhaving an actuating memcorresponding with the registers and each havinga part ,.-45. ln a voting'machlne, the combi'nation with aplurality otregisters secured to a supporting frame in fixed re -them to cooperative position, and means for moving the a barrier for preventing access to theindicators, operating frame and the indicators to cause the latter to cooperate jwith the registers, and connections-between said barrier ,47 in a'voting' machine, the combination with a ballot board o'r-support containing a ticket to be voted, a pluralof indicators to'op erative position, a plurality of registerping'dev'ice's corresponding to the indicators, resetting dethe relative movements oii'a'll the registers and indicators operating devices and the resetting devices whereby the indicated ballots will be registered, the indicators reset ,of more than a predetermined number into coiipeiiatlve ".i-lationwith their registers, and ,means for" causing the 'Opfildilefl and ieftin cooperative relation therewi th.

vindicator independently movable to a position for cooperation with its'reg'lster, interlocking devices between the indicators to permit the movement of a predetermined number to operatlve position, an'dmeans for causing the relative movements of the register frame and support to cause the cooperation of the actuated indicators and their registers.

43. In a votingmachine', the'comhination with a plurality of registers secure'd'to a supporting frame in fixed reher, of a'support, a plurality of ballot indicators thereon for cooperation with the actuating member of its register, when moved to operative position, interlocking devices for permitting the operation of a predetermined number of indicators only, and means for causing the relative moveof the registers whose indicators 'are operated.

44. In a voting machine, the combination with a plurallation to each other, of asupport, a plurality of'ba'llot indicators thereon corresponding the registei-s and each, adapted to be moved into operative relation with its register,' interlocking devices forperinit'ting the operation of a predetermined number of indicators only, means for causing the positive relative movement of the frame and sup-, port and resetting devices for Ashe indicators.

bitten-to each other, of a support, a plurality of ballot in movable into and out ofa position to cooperate with its permittingthe movement of a predetermined number of frame and'suppolt relatively to cause cator's'do cooperate with their registers.

4.6.. Inn-voting machine, the combination with-a pluralityof. registers mounted on a frame in fixed relation to each other, of a plurality of independently adjustable baliotindicators. corresponding with the registers and adapted to be actuated into operative relation with the registers,

the actuated indidevi'ces for causing the relative movements of the register and the operative devices for causing their simultaneous operation.v

itywoif separate ballot indicators corresponding to the ticket, movable by the voter into and out of codperat'ive relation with'their registers, in'trlocking devices topre vent the operation of more than a predetermined number vicesfor the indicators and operating. devices for causing to register the ballots indicated; 01 a barrier or cover tor the ballot board. and connections between it and the saidto normal position, and the barrier removed at-a single -48.I n a"votingmachine, the colnbinationwith aplurality of series 'ofregisters, of a plurality of series-of ballot indicators forming part of the permanent structure, one

out of: cooperative relation with its register without dicators in the same series for preventing the movement operation of the regis ters whose indicators ihavebee'n 4a. 1111; voting machine, the combination fwlth a series iuatically. ;-rcrurning tbim to normal-position, aseries of cor sp bnding regisiers,,nian s forhoiding the keys when manualiy operable device tor releasing the 'hy the register actuating means attertheadt registers, and a device operable by a' voten-to elease the 7 actuation of the registers. when operated s, iiiterlpckiug devices ior preventing the operation of more than apredetermlned number of indicators in the series, and means for simultaneously operating the registers whose indicators are left in voted position.

50. In a votingunachine, the combination with a series of spring-retracted voting keys 'or indicators, registers with which they are adapted to cooperate, retainers for holding the operated indicatorsfmeans for-releasing the retainers, and means for subsequently causing the op-' eration of the registers whoseindicators are retained in voted position. f

51 In a voting machine, the combination with a series of spring-retracted voting indicators, registering devices with which they are adapted to cooperate, retainers for the indicators, and means for releasing the indicators and permitting their return before operating upon the registers.

52.'In a voting-machine, the combination with a series of spring-retracted voting indicators, interlocking devices between them, registers with which the indicators'are adapted to cooperate. separate retainers for the indicators,

and means for subscquently causing the operation of the.-

registers whose indicators are retained in voted position,

of devices for operating the retainers to release the at.

dica'tors.

In a voting machine, the combination with a springretracted voting key or indicator, and a register with I for actuating'the registers whose indicators are retained,

means for releasing the retainers after the operation of the registers, and a movable part operable by the voter to release the retainers before the actuation of the registers. I

55. In a voting machine, the combination with a plurality of ballot indicators automatically operable in one direction, registers with which they cooperate to indicnte'a vote, and retainers for holding the keys when operated, of means for causing the operation'of the registers whose indicators are retained, and a movable member for releasing all the retainers before the actuation of the registers when desired.

56. In avoting machine, the combination with a plurality of ballot indicators automatically operable in one di 're'ctio'n, a plurality of registers with whichthe'y codp erate to indicate a vote, and retainers for holdingthe keys when operated, of means for causing the operationpi the registers whose indicators are retained, a movable .member for releasing the retainers operable by the operating means after the registers are actuated, and a device under the control oi. the voter and operating .upon said member forrele'asing the retainirs before the operation of the registers when desired.

' 57. In a voting machine, .the comblnation'with a plurality" ot ball otindicators, a corresponding plurality of reg isters, and retainers tor holding th'e indicat oi'slin coiip--v I erative relation with their registeraotmeans iior'actuating the registers whose indicators are r'etainedg'a releaslng member cooperating with the retainers and op a'tedupon retainers prior to the desired.

58. In a voting machine, the .combi'nat'ionjiwith h plural-fity.of'registe1's,.each-having anactuator, or :1 correspond lug seriesv of' indicators movable .into and out of co-'- operative relation each with an actuator, in combination with means .forproducin'g a relative movement between operative i'elatio thei I ahineithe,combination :with a series 0t reglsters fof a corresponding series of keys or indicators,- meansjor retainlng'--the eys when operated, 'ineans for releasing the ;key's tram cooperative. relation with the registers'without'hsvihg caused the operation or the latter.

60. Ina voting machine the combination with a mov: able ballot indicator, a catch for retainlngthe indicator the registers and actuators, whose indicators remain in o...

of a counter, a counter actuator normally out of operative connection -with the counter and adaptedto be placed into cooperative relation therewith by the movement of. the indicator but incapable of being directly moved to operate the counter manually operable releasing device for the indicator catch and means for operating the countmhonly one number and also ri- .l.a.-;in; the ,catch to permit the return of the indicator to original position during a coinplete cycle of operation of the. machine.

61. In a wiring machine the combinationwith a counter of an actuator therefor forming a part'of the permanent structure adapted to be operated by a voter into coopcrative relation with the counter but incapable of direct actuation by the voter to move the counter. and means controlling access to tin actuator operating device and adapted to cause the relative movements of the actuator and counter to operate the counter one number and return the parls to original position durin a complete cycle or operation of the machine;

(12in a voting: machine the combination with a mov able ballot indicator. of a counter. a counter actuator capahleot being moved into coilpcrative relation with the rounler by the movement of the indicator but incapable of movement by the indicator to operate the counter. a catch for retaining the indicator and means for operating thecounter and actuator relatively to cause the movement of the former one'number only and for releasing the catch during the complete cycle of. movement of the machine.

63. In a voting machine. the combination-with a plurality of ballot indicators of an equal number of counters. counter actuators capable of movement by the indicators into cooperative relation with the counters but incapable of movement by the indicators to advance the counters and means for causing the operation of the counters whose indicators have been moved to voted position and returning the-indicators and actuators. to original position during a complete cycle of operation of the machine.

H4. in a voting machine the combination with a ,lurality 0t ballot indicators, and interlocking devices to prevent the operation of more than a predetermined number. of unequal number of counters, counter actuators therefor capable of being set in cooperative relation with the counters by the movement of the indicators but incapable of movement by thejndicators to actuate the counters and means for .eifectine' theslmultaneous, operation of the actuators and-the return of the indicators-to original position. V

G5. The combination in a voting machine, of counters, actuators therefor forming partof the permanent struc ture of the machine, said actuators being adapted *to be operated to lvoted position without operating the counter, means for limiting the actuators operated to-a predetermined number and positively actuated means operated by the machine'for simultaneously advancing all said countors-one number whose actuators havebeen placed in voted position.

66. The combination in a voting machine, ofatplurality of counters. an actuator for each forming part of the permanent structure of the machine, said actuators being adapted to be operated to voted position by'a voter Without operating their counters and positively actuated means operated by the machine for simultaneously advancingnll of said counters one number whose actuators have been placed in voted position.

67. A voting; machine having a counter for each candidate and a key for-each-candldate, said keys helm, adapt ed for reciprocation or operation by a voter, an actuator moved when each key is operated'and adapted to be positionedfor operation upon the associated counter by the movement of said key and means for independently operating said actuators and coimtersrelatively simultaneously whether the same have been operated upon by the keys or not.

l'i8. The combination with a counter, of a voting key, a holding device therefor. an actuator movable when said key is operated in one direction and in turn operable upon said counter. positively actuated means for thus operating said actuator, said key alone controllingthe relation be tween said actuator and counter for registering votes, said actuator being concealed and at all times prevented from l l l l counters.

to original position during a complete cycle of the machine.

direct operation by the voter and said counter being concealed from view and a manually operable device for releasing the key holding device.

on. The combination in a voting machine, of a plurality of counters with a key for each, an independent counter.

operating means for each key controlled but not operated thereby and means for actuating said operating means to move the counter one step andallo'w the return of the operating means and a suitable limiting mechanism operable by said keys.

TU. 'lhe confidant-innit] a voting machine. of a plurality of counters with a key for each, an independent counter actuating means for each key controlled but not operated thereby and means for operating said actuating means to move the counter one step and independent means oper ating thereafter to return the keys and allow the actuators to return to their initial positions therewith. and a suit able limiting mechanism controllingthe operation of the keys.

T1. In a voting machine the combination with a plurality of ballot indicators forming a part of thequrrmanent structure and interlocking mechanism between them. of a separate counter for each indicator. :1 counter actuator for each indicator also forminga part of the permanent structure, connections between the indicatorsnml their actuators for placing the latter in operative connection with the counters when the indicators are operated. but without operating the counters. and means for posilively and simultaneously operating the counter actuators and counters relatively to cause the complete operation or the T2. The combination in the mechanism of a voting machine, of two or more counters each provided with a toothed of an actuator therefor forming part of the permanent structure adapted to be operated by a voter into cooper- 'ative relation with the counter but incapable of direct ortuation by the voter to move the counter and means controlling access to the actuator operating device and adapted to cause relative movements of the actuators and coun ter to operate-the counter one number and return the parts of operation 74. In a voting machine, the combination with registerinn mechanism for'each candidate, a voting key for each candidate, controllingbut not operating the registers. movable connections embodying register actuators forming: part-of the permanent structure arranged between the keys and registers and independently controlled in position with relation to the registering mechanism by the movement of the keys and interlocking mechanism for preventing the operation of some of said keys, of means for simultaneously moving all the registers and actuators in the same direction relative to each other.

' T5. In a voting machine. a registering mechanism. a movable pawl, a key for controlling the. movement of said pawl to a position to actuate the registering mechanism, independent means for actuating said pawl and registering mechanism relatively when in such position and means actuated by said key for prevention the actuation of the other registering mechanisms.

76. In a voting machine. a suitable rouislerinc' mechanism, a pawl for actuatlm: the same. a "voting.- key i|ul pendent of the pawlfor controlling its. movement to acluate the register. and mchns forming part of the permanent Structure actuated by the key for prevention lhc actuation of other recisl'i-u'inn mechanisms.

77. in a voting machine. the combination with a movable ballot indiralor forming part ol'ihc pcrnmneiit structure, of a counter. a counter aclualor also forming part of the permanent structure. connections between the indi cater and actuator for placing-the latter in operative con- 

